Wintrust Financial Corp. (WTFC) News

LAKE FOREST, Ill., July 28, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wintrust Financial Corporation ("Wintrust" or "the Company") (Nasdaq:WTFC) announced net income of $13.0 million or $0.25 per diluted common share for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, an increase of $0.19, or 317%, compared to the $6.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted common share, recorded in the second quarter of 2009. Compared to the first quarter of 2010, earnings per diluted common share decreased $0.16, or 39%, on a $3.0 million decrease in net income.

The Company's total assets of $13.7 billion at June 30, 2010 increased $869 million from March 31, 2010 and $2.3 billion from June 30, 2009. Total deposits as of June 30, 2010 were $10.6 billion, an increase of $900 million from March 31, 2010 (including $502 million in additional deposits for the second quarter of 2010 related to FDIC-assisted transactions) and $1.4 billion from June 30, 2009. Total loans, including loans held for sale and excluding covered loans, were $9.6 billion as of June 30, 2010, an increase of $336 million over the $9.2 billion balance as of March 31, 2010 and an increase of $1.1 billion over June 30, 2009.

Edward J. Wehmer, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Core pre-tax earnings, which excludes from pre-tax net income the provision for credit losses, all OREO expenses, excess mortgage put-back reserves, all bargain purchase gains and trading and securities gains or losses increased again this quarter. This measurement of earnings has increased 91% in the past 12 months, to $47.6 million in the second quarter of 2010 from $25.0 million in the second quarter of 2009. Reported net income for the second quarter of 2010 was $13.0 million, a 99% increase over the second quarter of 2009. During the most recent quarter, our Company had many positive operating results including a slight decrease in both the amount of non-performing loans and the percentage of non-performing loans to total loans, continued growth of our core customer deposit base, solid internal loan growth, a continued strong pipeline of potential new lending relationships, expansion of the net interest margin and the successful acquisition of two banking operations in new, desirable markets through FDIC-assisted transactions."

"This quarter was not without its challenges. A fraud perpetrated against a number of premium finance companies in the industry, including the property and casualty division of our premium financing subsidiary, increased both our net charge-offs and our provision for loan losses by $15.7 million. Actions have been taken internally to decrease the likelihood of this type of loss from recurring in this important line of business for the Company. Management has conducted a thorough review of the premium finance – commercial portfolio and found no signs of similar situations. Excluding the impact of this unusual item, the Company's provision for credit losses and net charge-offs both declined when compared to the previous quarter's results. This decline was in line with the overall direction of the non-performing loan portfolio."

Mr. Wehmer noted, "The Company's net interest margin for the quarter increased to 3.43% from 3.38% in the first quarter of 2010 and from 2.91% in the second quarter of 2009. Continued opportunities to re-price existing core deposits remain. Large balances of liquidity management assets currently residing on our balance sheet, which generate relatively little income, continue to impede the overall expansion of the Company's net interest margin. Further margin expansion should come as we identify opportunities to re-deploy low yielding short-term liquidity assets into higher yielding loans and re-price maturing retail certificates of deposit."

Commenting on credit, excluding the impact of the covered loans acquired in the FDIC-assisted transactions, Mr. Wehmer said, "For the fourth consecutive quarter, total non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans declined and represented only 1.45% of the total loan portfolio at June 30, 2010. This level of non-performing loans represents the lowest level recorded by the Company since the second quarter of 2008. During the second quarter, we recorded a provision for credit losses of $41 million and net charge-offs of $38 million, both of which include the $15.7 million fraud loss in the premium finance – commercial portfolio. Our allowance for loan losses increased to $107 million or 1.14% of total loans, covering 79% of total non-performing loans. Adding our reserve for unfunded lending-related commitments and credit-related discounts on purchased loans brings the Company's total credit reserves to $137 million or 1.47% of total loans."

Mr. Wehmer summarized, "Continued strong capital ratios, high levels of balance sheet liquidity, lower levels of non-performing loans and increased core pre-tax earnings position the Company to continue to capitalize on the dislocation of assets and people in the marketplace. Our continued focus on increasing core pre-tax earnings, leveraging the new locations acquired in our recent FDIC-assisted transactions and further clearing our balance sheet of problem assets will allow us to resume growth of our community banking franchise. These opportunities will all be evaluated for their long-term strategic value to the Company and undertaken with a disciplined approach. The opening of our downtown Chicago office in July filling the 22^nd floor at 190 South LaSalle Street showcases this effort. This new lending group operating under the Wintrust Commercial Banking brand expands the Company's commercial lending and Treasury Management services into Chicago. Wintrust has been built upon Midwestern values and client service and we are ready and well poised to bring old fashioned banking back to Chicago's commercial sector."

See "Acquisitions" and "Securitizations" later in this document for additional explanations of loan balance changes between comparable periods. The Company's loan portfolio is diversified among a wide variety of loan types.  Please see the tables included in the remainder of this document for additional disclosures regarding the components of the commercial and commercial real estate portfolio, the allowance for credit losses, loan portfolio aging statistics and purchased loans subject to loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, which we refer to as "covered loans".

Wintrust's key operating measures and growth rates for the second quarter of 2010 as compared to the sequential and linked quarters are shown in the table below:

Certain returns, yields, performance ratios, or quarterly growth rates are "annualized" in this presentation to represent an annual time period. This is done for analytical purposes to better discern for decision-making purposes underlying performance trends when compared to full-year or year-over-year amounts. For example, a 5% growth rate for a quarter would represent an annualized 20% growth rate. Additional supplemental financial information showing quarterly trends can be found on the Company's web site at www.wintrust.com by choosing "Financial Reports" under the "Investor Relations" heading, and then choosing "Supplemental Financial Info."

Items Impacting Comparative Financial Results: Acquisitions, Securitization and Stock Offerings/Regulatory Capital

Acquisitions

On April 23, 2010, the Company announced that two of its wholly-owned subsidiary banks, Northbrook Bank & Trust Company ("Northbrook") and Wheaton Bank & Trust Company ("Wheaton"), in two FDIC-assisted transactions, had acquired certain assets and liabilities and the banking operations of Lincoln Park Savings Bank ("Lincoln Park") and Wheatland Bank ("Wheatland"), respectively. Lincoln Park operated four locations in Chicago, Illinois. Wheatland had one location in Naperville, Illinois. In summary:

• Northbrook assumed approximately $160 million of the outstanding deposits and approximately $170 million of assets of Lincoln Park, prior to purchase accounting adjustments. 
• Wheaton assumed approximately $400 million of the outstanding deposits and approximately $370 million of assets of Wheatland, prior to purchase accounting adjustments.

Both purchases were accounted for as a business combination as required by Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"), which became effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2009. Under ASC 805 a gain is recorded equal to the amount by which the fair value of net assets purchased exceeded the purchase price. The Company recognized gains of $22.3 million and $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 on the Wheatland and Lincoln Park acquisitions, respectively. These gains are shown as a gain on bargain purchases, which is a component of non-interest income, on our statement of income.  

Loans comprise the majority of the assets acquired in the two FDIC-assisted transactions above and are subject to a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC where the FDIC has agreed to reimburse the Company for 80% of losses incurred on the purchased loans. We refer to the loans subject to these loss-sharing agreements as "covered loans." Covered assets includes covered loans, covered OREO and certain other covered assets. The agreement with the FDIC requires that the Company follow certain servicing procedures or risk losing FDIC reimbursement of covered asset losses.

On July 28, 2009, the Company announced that its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, First Insurance Funding Corp. ("FIFC") completed the purchase of a majority of the U.S. life insurance premium finance assets of A.I. Credit Corp. and A.I. Credit Consumer Discount Company ("the seller"), subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc.  In doing so, FIFC acquired one of the largest life insurance premium finance portfolios in the industry, as well as certain other assets related to the life insurance premium finance business and assumed certain related liabilities. An aggregate unpaid principal balance of $949.3 million was purchased for $685.3 million in cash. 

The Company recognized a $10.9 million gain in the first quarter of 2010, a $43.0 million gain in the fourth quarter of 2009 and a $113.1 million gain in the third quarter of 2009. As of March 31, 2010, the full amount of bargain purchase gain was recognized into income.    

On April 20, 2009, Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company completed its purchase and assumption of certain assets and liabilities of Advanced Investment Partners, LLC ("AIP"). AIP is an investment management firm specializing in the active management of domestic equity investment strategies. The impact related to the AIP transaction is included in Wintrust's consolidated financial results only since the effective date of acquisition.

 Securitization

 Sale of Loans

On September 11, 2009, Wintrust's indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, FIFC Premium Funding I, LLC (the "Issuer"), sold $600,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Series 2009-A Premium Finance Asset Backed Notes, Class A (the "Notes"). The Notes were issued in a securitization transaction sponsored by First Insurance Funding Corp. At the time of closing, the securitization was an off-balance sheet financing transaction for the Company.  

The Notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 1.45% and have an expected average term of 2.93 years; provided, however, that the entire unpaid balance of the Notes shall be due and payable in full on February 17, 2014. At the time of issuance, the Notes were eligible collateral under the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility ("TALF"). The Issuer's obligations under the Notes are secured by revolving loans made to buyers of property and casualty insurance policies to finance the related premiums payable by the buyers to the insurance companies for the policies. The premium finance loans will be transferred from time to time by FIFC to FIFC Funding I, LLC (the "Depositor") and by the Depositor to the Issuer.

Change in Accounting Treatment

At June 30, 2009, prior to the existence of the securitization facility, all premium finance loans held by the Company were reflected as loans on its balance sheet. At December 31, 2009, with the securitization facility in place, approximately $594 million of commercial premium finance loans were held in the securitization facility and were not reflected on the Company's balance sheet.  In accordance with newly applicable accounting guidance, and as anticipated by the Company, effective January 1, 2010 the securitization facility was recorded on the balance sheet of the Company as a secured borrowing. As a result of this new guidance, the Company's balance sheet since January 1, 2010 reflects all loans outstanding in the securitization facility, the $600 million of secured borrowing notes issued to the securitization investors and cash in the securitization facility. 

Stock Offerings/Regulatory Capital

On March 9, 2010, the Company announced the closing of its public offering of 5.8 million shares of common stock at $33.25 per share. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $182.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. On March 16, 2010, the Company's underwriters, who were granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 870,000 shares at a public offering price of $33.25 per share to cover over-allotments, fully exercised this option for additional net proceeds of approximately $27.5 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. In total, the Company sold 6.67 million shares for net proceeds of approximately $210.3 million. As of June 30, 2010, the Company's estimated capital ratios were 14.4% for total risk-based capital, 13.1% for tier 1 capital and 10.2% for leverage, well above the well capitalized guidelines.   Additionally, the Company's tangible common equity ratio was 6.0% at June 30, 2010.

Financial Performance Overview – Second Quarter of 2010

For the second quarter of 2010, net interest income totaled $104.3 million, an increase of $31.8 million as compared to the second quarter of 2009 and an increase of $8.4 million as compared to the first quarter of 2010. Average earning assets for the second quarter of 2010 increased by $2.2 billion compared to the second quarter of 2009. Earning asset growth over the past 12 months was primarily a result of the $1.4 billion increase in average loans and $762 million increase in liquidity management assets. The acquisition of a life insurance premium finance portfolio and subsequent growth in this product accounted for $1.1 billion of the total loan growth over the past 12 months, while the two FDIC-assisted acquisitions accounted for $210 million of average covered loan growth in the current quarter. The average earning asset growth of $2.2 billion over the past 12 months was funded by a $685 million increase in the average balances of savings, NOW, MMA and Wealth Management deposits, an increase in the average balance of net free funds of $363 million, an increase in the average balance of retail certificates of deposit of $452 million, an increase of $600 million due to the secured borrowing notes to the securitization investors and an increase in the average balance of brokered certificates of deposit of $115 million, offset by a decrease in the average balance of other wholesale borrowings of $59 million.  The net interest margin for the second quarter of 2010 was 3.43%, compared to 2.91% in the second quarter of 2009 and 3.38% in the first quarter of 2010. The increase in net interest margin in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of the life insurance premium finance portfolio and lower costs of interest-bearing deposits. The yield on loans increased 32 basis points, however, and total earning assets decreased by 17 basis points, while the rate paid on total interest-bearing deposits decreased by 79 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2009. Further margin expansion should come as we identify opportunities to re-deploy low yielding short-term liquidity assets into higher yielding loans, and continue to benefit from the re-pricing of maturing retail certificates of deposit.

Non-interest income totaled $50.4 million in the second quarter of 2010, increasing $5.0 million, or 11%, compared to the second quarter of 2009 and increasing $7.8 million, or 18%, compared to the first quarter of 2010. The change was primarily attributable to the bargain purchase gains recorded relating to the FDIC-assisted transactions as described earlier under "Acquisitions".  Wealth management revenue contributed $2.3 million to the increase as improvements in the equity markets overall has led to a 34% increase in wealth management revenue compared to the second quarter of 2009. Mortgage banking revenue decreased $14.6 million when compared to the second quarter of 2009 as loans originated and sold to the secondary market were $732 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2009 and $687 million in the first quarter of 2010. Lower originations and sales to the secondary market in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to the second quarter of 2009 directly reduced gains recognized on these sales. Also, changes in the fair market value of mortgage servicing rights, valuation fluctuations of mortgage banking derivatives and fair value accounting for certain residential mortgage loans held for sale contributed to the decrease in mortgage banking revenue in the current quarter. Additionally, expenses recognized for the liability associated with mortgage loans sold with recourse to the secondary market increased in the second quarter of 2010 due to investors attempting to push back claims to the originators of loans in default. Also, trading income decreased by $9.8 million in the second quarter of 2010 when compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily due to realizing larger market value increases in the prior year on certain collateralized mortgage obligations held in trading.  

Non-interest expense totaled $92.7 million in the second quarter of 2010, increasing $8.4 million, or 10%, compared to the second quarter of 2009 and increasing $8.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2010. The increase compared to the second quarter of 2009 was primarily attributable to a $4.6 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and a $4.8 million increase in expenses related to other real estate owned, or OREO, and increased professional fees of $1.1 million primarily related to increased legal costs related to non-performing assets and recent bank acquisitions, partially offset by $4.1 million in lower FDIC insurance expenses related to an FDIC imposed industry-wide special assessment on financial institutions in the prior year second quarter. 

Financial Performance Overview – First Six Months of 2010

The net interest margin for the first six months of 2010 was 3.41%, compared to 2.81% in the first six months of 2009. The increase in the net interest margin in the first six months of 2010 when compared to the first six months of 2009 is primarily attributable to the acquisition of the life insurance premium finance portfolio and lower costs of interest-bearing deposits. The yield on loans increased 29 basis points, however, the yield on total earning assets decreased by 12 basis points as the yield on liquidity management assets declined by 141 basis points, while the rate paid on total interest-bearing deposits decreased by 84 basis points compared to the first six months of 2009. Average earning assets for the first six months of 2010 increased by $2.0 billion compared to the first six months of 2009. Earning asset growth for the first six months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 was primarily a result of the $1.3 billion increase in average loans and $640 million increase in liquidity management assets. The acquisition of a life insurance premium finance portfolio and subsequent growth in this product accounted for $1.1 billion of the total loan growth for the first six months of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. The average earning asset growth of $2.0 billion was funded by a $766 million increase in the average balances of savings, NOW, MMA and Wealth Management deposits, an increase in the average balance of net free funds of $285 million, an increase in the average balance of retail certificates of deposit of $339 million, an increase of $600 million due to the secured borrowing notes to the securitization investors and an increase in the average balance of brokered certificates of deposit of $58 million, offset by a decrease in the average balance of other wholesale borrowings of $77 million.   

Non-interest income totaled $93.0 million in the first six months of 2010, increasing $11.2 million, or 14%, compared to the first six months of 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the $37.4 million of bargain purchase gains recorded relating to the FDIC-assisted transactions and the acquisition of the premium finance assets as described earlier under "Acquisitions." Wealth management revenue contributed $5.1 million to the increase as improvements in the equity markets overall has led to a 39% increase in wealth management revenue compared to the first six months of 2009. Mortgage banking revenue decreased $21.1 million when compared to the first six months of 2009 as loans originated and sold to the secondary market declined to $1.4 billion in the first six months of 2010 compared to $2.8 billion in the first six months of 2009, directly reducing gains recognized on these sales. Additionally, expenses recognized for the liability associated with mortgage loans sold with recourse to the secondary market increased in 2010 due to investors pushing back claims to the originators of loans in default. Also, lower trading income of $12.6 million in 2010 when compared to the first six months of 2009 resulted primarily from realizing larger market value increases in the prior year on certain collateralized mortgage obligations held in trading.     

Non-interest expense totaled $176.6 million in the first six months of 2010, increasing $15.4 million, or 10%, compared to the first six months of 2009. The increase compared to the first six months of 2009 was primarily attributable to a $8.9 million increase in salaries and employee benefits and a $3.8 million increase in expenses related to other real estate owned, or OREO, a $2.9 million increase in other miscellaneous expenses (primarily loan expenses related to problem loans prior to foreclosure), and increased professional fees of $1.3 million primarily related to increased legal costs related to non-performing assets and recent bank acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $3.3 million in FDIC insurance expenses as the FDIC imposed an industry-wide special assessment on financial institutions in the prior year second quarter.

Financial Performance Overview – Credit Quality

Non-performing loans, excluding covered loans, totaled $135.4 million, or 1.45% of total loans, at June 30, 2010, compared to $141.0 million, or 1.55% of total loans, at March 31, 2010 and $238.2 million, or 3.14% of total loans, at June 30, 2009. OREO, excluding covered OREO, of $86.4 million at June 30, 2010 was down $2.6 million compared to March 31, 2010 and increased $45.0 million compared to June 30, 2009. 

During the latter half of 2009, management focused on significantly lowering the Company's level of non-performing loans. This was accomplished through a focus on gaining control or obtaining possession of collateral from borrowers whose loans were in non-accrual status. Progress towards this goal enabled a number of these properties to be transferred to OREO. The properties the Company obtains via foreclosure or via deed in lieu of foreclosure are aggressively marketed for sale. Additionally, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2009, management has worked with financially distressed borrowers to restructure current loans. These actions help distressed borrowers maintain their homes or businesses and keep these loans in an accruing status for the Company. As of June 30, 2010, a total of $64.7 million of outstanding loan balances qualified as restructured loans, with $54.0 million of these modified loans in an accruing status.

The provision for credit losses totaled $41.3 million for the second quarter of 2010 compared to $29.0 million for the first quarter of 2010 and $23.7 million in the second quarter of 2009. Net charge-offs as a percentage of loans, excluding covered loans, for the second quarter of 2010 totaled 163 basis points on an annualized basis compared to 63 basis points on an annualized basis in the second quarter of 2009 and 119 basis points on an annualized basis in the first quarter of 2010. In the second quarter of 2010, a fraud perpetrated against a number of premium finance companies in the industry, including the property and casualty division of our premium financing subsidiary, increased both our net charge-offs and our provision for loan losses by $15.7 million. 

The allowance for credit losses at June 30, 2010 totaled $108.7 million, or 1.17% of total loans, excluding covered loans, compared to $106.1 million, or 1.17% of total loans, at March 31, 2010 and $86.7 million, or 1.14% of total loans, at June 30, 2009. In addition, at June 30, 2010, there are $28.2 million of non-accretable credit-related discounts on the purchased life insurance premium finance receivables. The Company's total credit-related reserves, including the reserve for unfunded lending-related commitments and non-accretable credit-related discounts on the purchased premium finance receivables, were $136.9 million, or 1.47% of total loans, excluding covered loans, as of June 30, 2010, compared to $140.0 million, or 1.54% of total loans, at March 31, 2010.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL MEASURES/RATIOS

The accounting and reporting policies of Wintrust conform to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios are used by management to evaluate and measure the Company's performance. These include taxable-equivalent net interest income (including its individual components), net interest margin (including its individual components), the efficiency ratio, tangible common equity and core pre-tax earnings. Management believes that these measures and ratios provide users of the Company's financial information a more meaningful view of the performance of the interest-earning and interest-bearing liabilities and of the Company's operating efficiency. Other financial holding companies may define or calculate these measures and ratios differently.

Management reviews yields on certain asset categories and the net interest margin of the Company and its banking subsidiaries on a fully taxable-equivalent ("FTE") basis. In this non-GAAP presentation, net interest income is adjusted to reflect tax-exempt interest income on an equivalent before-tax basis. This measure ensures comparability of net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources. Net interest income on a FTE basis is also used in the calculation of the Company's efficiency ratio. The efficiency ratio, which is calculated by dividing non-interest expense by total taxable-equivalent net revenue (less securities gains or losses), measures how much it costs to produce one dollar of revenue. Securities gains or losses are excluded from this calculation to better match revenue from daily operations to operational expenses. Core pre-tax earnings is adjusted to exclude the provision for credit losses and certain significant items.

A reconciliation of certain non-GAAP performance measures and ratios used by the Company to evaluate and measure the Company's performance to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is shown below:

NET INTEREST INCOME

The following table presents a summary of Wintrust's average balances, net interest income and related net interest margins, calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 (linked quarters):

The higher level of net interest income recorded in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 was primarily attributable to the impact of the acquisition of the life insurance premium finance assets in the second half of 2009 and lower retail deposit costs. Approximately $1.1 billion of the increase in average total loans is attributable to life insurance premium finance loans including those purchased in the transaction or originated by the Company.

In the second quarter of 2010, the yield on earning assets decreased 17 basis points as the yield on liquidity management assets declined by 167 basis points and the rate on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 76 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2009. Retail deposit re-pricing opportunities over the past 12 months, due to a sustained low interest rate environment and more stable financial markets, contributed to the majority of this decreased cost. The rate paid on interest-bearing deposits decreased 79 basis points when compared to the second quarter of 2009.

The following table presents a summary of Wintrust's average balances, net interest income and related net interest margins, calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the second quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2010 (sequential quarters):

In the second quarter of 2010, the yield on loans decreased 4 basis points and the rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased 17 basis points compared to the first quarter of 2010. Opportunities exist for further net interest margin expansion if the Company can re-deploy low yielding liquidity management assets into higher yielding outstanding loan balances and continue to lower the re-pricing of maturing retail certificates of deposit.

The following table presents a summary of Wintrust's average balances, net interest income and related net interest margins, calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis, for the six months ended June 30, 2010 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2009:

NON-INTEREST INCOME

For the second quarter of 2010, non-interest income totaled $50.4 million, an increase of $5.0 million compared to the second quarter of 2009. The increase was primarily attributable to the bargain purchase gains related to the two FDIC-assisted bank acquisitions, and higher wealth management revenues, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage banking revenue and trading gains.     

The following table presents non-interest income by category for the periods presented:

NM = Not Meaningful

Wealth management revenue is comprised of the trust and asset management revenue of Wayne Hummer Trust Company and the asset management fees, brokerage commissions, trading commissions and insurance product commissions at Wayne Hummer Investments and Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company.   Wealth management revenue totaled $9.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 and $6.9 million in the second quarter of 2009. Increased asset valuations due to equity market improvements have helped revenue growth from trust and asset management activities. Additionally, the improvement in the equity markets overall have led to the increase of the brokerage component of wealth management revenue as customer trading activity has increased. 

Mortgage banking revenue includes revenue from activities related to originating, selling and servicing residential real estate loans for the secondary market. For the quarter ended June 30, 2010, this revenue source totaled $8.0 million, a decrease of $14.6 million when compared to the second quarter of 2009. Mortgages originated and sold totaled $732 million in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $687 million in the first quarter of 2010 and $1.5 billion in the second quarter of 2009. The decrease in mortgage banking revenue in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to the second quarter of 2009 resulted primarily from a decrease in loan originations, changes in the fair market value of mortgage servicing rights, valuation fluctuations of mortgage banking derivatives and fair value accounting for certain residential mortgage loans held for sale and an increase in loss indemnification claims by purchasers of the Company's loans. The Company enters into residential mortgage loan sale agreements with investors in the normal course of business. These agreements provide recourse to investors through certain representations concerning credit information, loan documentation, collateral and insurability.  Investors are aggressively requesting the Company to indemnify them against losses on certain loans or to repurchase loans which the investors believe do not comply with applicable representations.  The increase in the velocity of the requests for loss indemnification has negatively impacted mortgage banking revenue as additional recourse expense was recorded over the past two quarters.  This liability on loans expected to be repurchased from loans sold to investors is based on trends in repurchase and indemnification requests, actual loss experience, known and inherent risks in the loan, and current economic conditions.

A summary of the mortgage banking revenue components is shown below:

All mortgage loan servicing by the Company is performed by four of its subsidiary banks. All loans originated and sold into the secondary market by its mortgage subsidiary Wintrust Mortgage Company have been sold with mortgage servicing rights released (sold to the investors). Mortgage servicing rights are carried on the balance sheet at fair value.

Service charges on deposit accounts totaled $3.4 million for the second quarter of 2010, an increase of $188,000, or 6%, when compared to the same quarter of 2009. The majority of deposit service charges relates to customary fees on overdrawn accounts and returned items. The level of service charges received is substantially below peer group levels, as management believes in the philosophy of providing high quality service without encumbering that service with numerous activity charges. 

As a result of the new accounting requirements beginning January 1, 2010 that now require loans sold and transferred into the securitization facility be accounted for as secured borrowings with the securitization investors, the Company no longer recognizes gains on sales of premium finance receivables (see "Securitization - Sale of Loans").

The Company recognized gains of $22.3 million and $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2010 on the Wheatland and Lincoln Park acquisitions, respectively. See "Acquisitions" for a discussion of these transactions. 

Trading losses of $1.5 million were recognized by the Company in the second quarter of 2010 compared to income of $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2009. Lower trading gains in 2010 resulted primarily from realizing larger market value increases in the prior year on certain collateralized mortgage obligations held in trading. 

Other non-interest income for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $4.9 million, compared to $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2009. Fees from certain covered call option transactions increased by $169,000 in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to the same period in the prior year. Historically, compression in the net interest margin was effectively offset, as has consistently been the case, by the Company's covered call strategy. In the second quarter of 2010 management chose to engage in limited covered call option activity. An illustration of the past effectiveness of this strategy is shown in the Supplemental Financial Information section (see page titled "Net Interest Margin (Including Call Option Income)").

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2010 totaled $92.7 million and increased approximately $8.4 million, or 10%, compared to the second quarter 2009.   

The following table presents non-interest expense by category for the periods presented:

Salaries and employee benefits comprised 55% of total non-interest expense in the second quarter of 2010 and 2009.   Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $4.6 million, or 10%, in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the second quarter of 2009 primarily as a result of the growth in the commercial lending staff throughout the Company, the salaries and benefits related to the staff associated with the life insurance premium finance portfolio acquired in the third quarter of 2009 and increases in base compensation, partially offset by lower commission and incentive compensation expenses related to mortgage banking activities as a result of lower mortgage loan origination volumes.     

Professional fees include legal, audit and tax fees, external loan review costs and normal regulatory exam assessments. Professional fees for the second quarter of 2010 were $4.0 million, an increase of $1.1 million, or 38%, compared to the same period in 2009. These increases are primarily a result of increased legal costs related to non-performing assets and recent bank acquisitions. 

FDIC insurance totaled $5.0 million in the second quarter of 2010, a decrease of $4.1 million compared to $9.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. The reduction in FDIC insurance expense is primarily the result of the FDIC imposing an industry-wide special assessment on financial institutions in the prior year second quarter. 

OREO expenses include all costs related with obtaining, maintaining and selling of other real estate owned properties. This expense totaled $5.8 million in the second quarter of 2010, an increase of $4.7 million compared to $1.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. The increase in OREO expenses primarily related to more valuation adjustments and increased maintenance costs due to the higher number of properties held in OREO in the second quarter of 2010 as compared to second quarter of 2009.  

Miscellaneous expense includes ATM expenses, correspondent bank charges, directors' fees, telephone, travel and entertainment, corporate insurance, dues and subscriptions, problem loan expenses and lending origination costs that are not deferred. Miscellaneous expenses in the second quarter of 2010 increased $729,000, or 10%, compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in the second quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in the prior year is primarily attributable to a higher level of problem loan expenses and the general growth in the Company's business.

ASSET QUALITY

The allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses and the allowance for lending-related commitments. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve against loan amounts that are actually funded and outstanding while the allowance for lending-related commitments relates to certain amounts that Wintrust is committed to lend but for which funds have not yet been disbursed. The allowance for lending-related commitments (separate liability account) represents the portion of the provision for credit losses that was associated with unfunded lending-related commitments. The provision for credit losses may contain both a component related to funded loans (provision for loan losses) and a component related to lending-related commitments (provision for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit). Total credit-related reserves include the credit discounts on the purchased life insurance premium finance receivables which are netted with the loan balance. Additionally, on January 1, 2010, in conjunction with recording the securitization facility on its balance sheet, the Company established an allowance for loan losses totaling $1.9 million. This addition to the allowance for loan losses is shown as an other adjustment to the allowance for loan losses. As of June 30, 2010, there was no allowance for loan losses for covered loans.

The provision for credit losses totaled $41.3 million for the second quarter of 2010, $29.0 million in the first quarter of 2010 and $23.7 million for the second quarter of 2009. For the quarter ended June 30, 2010, net charge-offs totaled $37.9 million compared to $26.8 million in the first quarter of 2010 and $12.8 million recorded in the second quarter of 2009. In the second quarter of 2010, a fraud perpetrated against a number of premium finance companies in the industry, including the property and casualty division of our premium financing subsidiary, increased both our net charge-offs and our provision for loan losses by $15.7 million. On a ratio basis, annualized net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans, excluding covered loans, were 1.63% in the second quarter of 2010, 1.19% in the first quarter of 2009, and 0.63% in the second quarter of 2009.  Beginning in the third and fourth quarters of 2009, the Company committed to resolving problem credits as quickly as possible. Actions taken during this time increased OREO, net charge-offs and the provision for loan losses expenses required to maintain an appropriate level of reserves. The second quarter of 2010 amounts recorded for both net charge-offs and provision for credit losses reflect a continuation of the Company's commitment to maintain a low level of non-performing assets.

Management believes the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to provide for inherent losses in the portfolio. There can be no assurances however, that future losses will not exceed the amounts provided for, thereby affecting future results of operations. The amount of future additions to the allowance for loan losses will be dependent upon management's assessment of the adequacy of the allowance based on its evaluation of economic conditions, changes in real estate values, interest rates, the regulatory environment, the level of past-due and non-performing loans, and other factors. The increase from the end of the prior quarter reflects the continued economic weaknesses in the Company's markets and is the result of an individual review of a significant number of individual credits as well as the overall risk factors impacting certain types of credits, specifically credits with residential development collateral valuation exposure.

The tables below show the aging of the Company's loan portfolio, excluding covered loans, at June 30, 2010 and March 31, 2010:

The amounts shown in the non-accrual and the 90+ days and still accruing columns represent the Company's total reported non-performing loans balance, excluding covered loans. As of June 30, 2010, only $50.3 million of all loans, or 0.5%, were 60 to 89 days past due and $75.2 million, or 0.8%, were 30 to 59 days (or one payment) past due.  As of March 31, 2010, only $41.6 million of all loans, or 0.5%, were 60 to 89 days past due and only $102.1 million, or 1.1%, were 30 to 59 days (or one payment) past due.

The majority of the commercial and commercial real estate loans shown as 60 to 89 days and 30 to 59 days past due are included on the Company's internal problem loan reporting system. Loans on this system are closely monitored by management on a monthly basis. Near-term delinquencies (30 to 59 days past due) decreased $27.0 million since March 31, 2010. However, the three categories of commercial real-estate loans (residential construction, commercial construction and land) that have comprised the largest portion of non-performing loans and ultimately net charge-offs, increased slightly, by $847,000, since March 31, 2010.

The Company's home equity and residential loan portfolios continue to exhibit low delinquency ratios. Home equity loans at June 30, 2010 that are current with regard to the contractual terms of the loan agreement represent 98.6% of the total home equity portfolio. Residential real estate loans at June 30, 2010 that are current with regards to the contractual terms of the loan agreements comprise 97.6% of total residential real estate loans outstanding.

The ratio of non-performing commercial premium finance receivables fluctuates throughout the year due to the nature and timing of canceled account collections from insurance carriers. Due to the nature of collateral for commercial premium finance receivables, it customarily takes 60-150 days to convert the collateral into cash. Accordingly, the level of non-performing commercial premium finance receivables is not necessarily indicative of the loss inherent in the portfolio. In the event of default, Wintrust has the power to cancel the insurance policy and collect the unearned portion of the premium from the insurance carrier. In the event of cancellation, the cash returned in payment of the unearned premium by the insurer should generally be sufficient to cover the receivable balance, the interest and other charges due. Due to notification requirements and processing time by most insurance carriers, many receivables will become delinquent beyond 90 days while the insurer is processing the return of the unearned premium. Management continues to accrue interest until maturity as the unearned premium is ordinarily sufficient to pay-off the outstanding balance and contractual interest due.

Non-performing Loans, excluding covered loans

The following table sets forth Wintrust's non-performing loans, excluding covered loans, at the dates indicated.

Non-performing Commercial and Commercial Real Estate

The commercial non-performing loan category totaled $17.8 million as of June 30, 2010 compared to $15.3 million as of March 31, 2010 and $24.2 million as of June 30, 2009. The commercial real estate non-performing loan category totaled $85.2 million as of June 30, 2010 compared to $83.6 million as of March 31, 2010 and $168.1 million as of June 30, 2009. 

Management is pursuing the resolution of all credits in this category. At this time, management believes reserves are appropriate to absorb inherent losses that may occur upon the ultimate resolution of these credits.

Non-performing Residential Real Estate and Home Equity

The non-performing residential real estate and home equity loans totaled $11.6 million as of June 30, 2010. The balance decreased $1.8 million from June 30, 2009 and $1.6 million from March 31, 2010. The June 30, 2010 non-performing balance is comprised of $4.4 million of residential real estate (20 individual credits) and $7.2 million of home equity loans (26 individual credits). On average, this is approximately three non-performing residential real estate loans and home equity loans per chartered bank within the Company. The Company believes control and collection of these loans is very manageable. At this time, management believes reserves are adequate to absorb inherent losses that may occur upon the ultimate resolution of these credits.

Non-performing Commercial Premium Finance Receivables

The table below presents the level of non-performing property and casualty premium finance receivables as of June 30, 2010 and 2009, and the amount of net charge-offs for the quarters then ended.

Fluctuations in this category may occur due to timing and nature of account collections from insurance carriers. The Company's underwriting standards, regardless of the condition of the economy, have remained consistent. We anticipate that net charge-offs and non-performing asset levels in the near term will continue to be at levels that are within acceptable operating ranges for this category of loans. Management is comfortable with administering the collections at this level of non-performing property and casualty premium finance receivables and believes reserves are adequate to absorb inherent losses that may occur upon the ultimate resolution of these credits. In the second quarter of 2010, a fraud perpetrated against a number of premium finance companies in the industry, including the property and casualty division of our premium financing subsidiary, increased both our net charge-offs and our provision for loan losses by $15.7 million. Excluding the effect of this fraud, net charge-offs of premium finance receivables would have been $1.8 million for the second quarter of 2010, which is 0.56%, of average premium finance receivables on an annualized basis.

Nonperforming Loans Rollforward

The table below presents a summary of non-performing loans, excluding covered loans, as of June 30, 2010 and shows the changes in the balance from March 31, 2010:

Restructured Loans

At June 30, 2010, the Company had $64.7 million in loans with modified terms. The $64.7 million in modified loans represents 71 credit relationships in which economic concessions were granted to financially distressed borrowers to better align the terms of their loans with their current ability to pay. These actions were taken on a case-by-case basis working with financially distressed borrowers to find a concession that would assist them in retaining their businesses or their homes and attempt to keep these loans in an accruing status for the Company. Subsequent to its restructuring any restructured loan with a below market rate concession that becomes nonaccrual will remain classified by the Company as a restructured loan for its duration and will be included in the Company's non-performing loans.

Each restructured loan was reviewed for collateral impairment at June 30, 2010 and approximately $1.7 million of collateral impairment was present and appropriately reserved for through the Company's normal reserving methodology in the Company's allowance for loan losses. Additionally, none of these loans at June 30, 2010 had impairment based on the present value of expected cash flows, thus there was no impact on interest income. 

Other Real Estate Owned

WINTRUST SUBSIDIARIES AND LOCATIONS

Wintrust is a financial holding company whose common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq:WTFC). Its 15 community bank subsidiaries are: Lake Forest Bank & Trust Company, Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, North Shore Community Bank & Trust Company in Wilmette, Libertyville Bank & Trust Company, Barrington Bank & Trust Company, Crystal Lake Bank & Trust Company, Northbrook Bank & Trust Company, Advantage National Bank in Elk Grove Village, Village Bank & Trust in Arlington Heights, Beverly Bank & Trust Company in Chicago, Wheaton Bank & Trust Company, State Bank of The Lakes in Antioch, Old Plank Trail Community Bank, N.A. in New Lenox, St. Charles Bank & Trust Company and Town Bank in Hartland, Wisconsin. The banks also operate facilities in Illinois in Algonquin, Bloomingdale, Buffalo Grove, Cary, Chicago, Clarendon Hills, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Frankfort, Geneva, Glencoe, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, Grayslake, Highland Park, Highwood, Hoffman Estates, Island Lake, Lake Bluff, Lake Villa, Lincoln Park, Lindenhurst, McHenry, Mokena, Mundelein, Naperville, North Chicago, Northfield, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Ravinia, Riverside, Roselle, Sauganash, Skokie, Spring Grove, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Western Springs, Willowbrook and Winnetka, and in Delafield, Elm Grove, Madison, Wales, Wisconsin.

Additionally, the Company operates various non-bank subsidiaries. First Insurance Funding Corporation, one of the largest insurance premium finance companies operating in the United States, serves commercial and life insurance loan customers throughout the country. Tricom, Inc. of Milwaukee provides high-yielding, short-term accounts receivable financing and value-added out-sourced administrative services, such as data processing of payrolls, billing and cash management services, to temporary staffing service clients located throughout the United States. Wintrust Mortgage Corporation engages primarily in the origination and purchase of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market through origination offices located throughout the United States. Loans are also originated nationwide through relationships with wholesale and correspondent offices. Wayne Hummer Investments, LLC is a broker-dealer providing a full range of private client and brokerage services to clients and correspondent banks located primarily in the Midwest. Wayne Hummer Asset Management Company provides money management services and advisory services to individual accounts. Advanced Investment Partners, LLC is an investment management firm specializing in the active management of domestic equity investment strategies. Wayne Hummer Trust Company, a trust subsidiary, allows Wintrust to service customers' trust and investment needs at each banking location. Wintrust Information Technology Services Company provides information technology support, item capture and statement preparation services to the Wintrust subsidiaries.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified through the use of words such as "intend," "plan," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "contemplate," "possible," "point," "will," "may," "should," "would" and "could." Forward-looking statements and information are not historical facts, are premised on many factors and assumptions, and represent only management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Similarly, these statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, which may include, but are not limited to, those listed below and the Risk Factors discussed under Item 1A of the Company's 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any of the Company's subsequent SEC filings. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements may be deemed to include, among other things, statements relating to the Company's future financial performance, the performance of its loan portfolio, the expected amount of future credit reserves and charge-offs, delinquency trends, growth plans, regulatory developments, securities that the Company may offer from time to time, and management's long-term performance goals, as well as statements relating to the anticipated effects on financial condition and results of operations from expected developments or events, the Company's business and growth strategies, including future acquisitions of banks, specialty finance or wealth management businesses, internal growth and plans to form additional de novo banks or branch offices. Actual results could differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including the following:

• negative economic conditions that adversely affect the economy, housing prices, the job market and other factors that may affect the Company's liquidity and the performance of its loan portfolios, particularly in the markets in which it operates;                                
• the extent of defaults and losses on the Company's loan portfolio, which may require further increases in its allowance for credit losses;                             
• estimates of fair value of certain of the Company's assets and liabilities, which could change in value significantly from period to period;                             
• changes in the level and volatility of interest rates, the capital markets and other market indices that may affect, among other things, the Company's liquidity and the value of its assets and liabilities;                             
• a decrease in the Company's regulatory capital ratios, including as a result of further declines in the value of its loan portfolios, or otherwise;                          
• effects resulting from the Company's participation in the Capital Purchase Program, including restrictions on dividends and executive compensation practices, as well as any future restrictions that may become applicable to the Company;                    
• legislative or regulatory changes, particularly changes in regulation of financial services companies and/or the products and services offered by financial services companies;                                 
• increases in the Company's FDIC insurance premiums, or the collection of special assessments by the FDIC;            
• competitive pressures in the financial services business which may affect the pricing of the Company's loan and deposit products as well as its services (including wealth management services);                               
• delinquencies or fraud with respect to the Company's premium finance business;                             
• the Company's ability to comply with covenants under its securitization facility and credit facility;                       
• credit downgrades among commercial and life insurance providers that could negatively affect the value of collateral securing the Company's premium finance loans;                             
• any negative perception of the Company's reputation or financial strength;                           
• the loss of customers as a result of technological changes allowing consumers to complete their financial transactions without the use of a bank;                                   
• the ability of the Company to attract and retain senior management experienced in the banking and financial services industries;                              
• failure to identify and complete favorable acquisitions in the future, or unexpected difficulties or developments related to the integration of recent acquisitions, including with respect to any FDIC-assisted acquisitions;              
• unexpected difficulties or unanticipated developments related to the Company's strategy of de novo bank formations and openings, which typically require over 13 months of operations before becoming profitable due to the impact of organizational and overhead expenses, the startup phase of generating deposits and the time lag typically involved in redeploying deposits into attractively priced loans and other higher yielding earning assets;        
• changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations and the impact on the Corporation's financial statements;                              
• significant litigation involving the Company; and                               
• the ability of the Company to receive dividends from its subsidiaries.

Therefore, there can be no assurances that future actual results will correspond to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement made by or on behalf of Wintrust. Any such statement speaks only as of the date the statement was made or as of such date that may be referenced within the statement. The Company undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.   Persons are advised, however, to consult further disclosures management makes on related subjects in its reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its press releases.

CONFERENCE CALL, WEB CAST AND REPLAY

The Company will hold a conference call at 1:00 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, July 28, 2010 regarding second quarter 2010 results. Individuals interested in listening should call (800) 514-8478 and enter Conference ID #87234230. A simultaneous audio-only web cast and replay of the conference call may be accessed via the Company's web site at (http://www.wintrust.com), Investor News and Events, Presentations & Conference Calls. The text of the second quarter 2010 earnings press release will be available on the home page of the Company's web site at (http://www.wintrust.com) and at the Investor News and Events, Press Releases link on its website.

WINTRUST FINANCIAL CORPORATION

Supplemental Financial Information

5 Quarter Trends